About Wilms Tumor

Wilms tumor, also called nephroblastoma, is a kidney cancer mostly found in children, which originates from undeveloped kidney cells. It is rare, with about 500 cases diagnosed yearly in the United States. Wilms tumor is an inherited condition in only three per cent of cases. Although serious, it is important to note that this is a very treatable condition. Current figures show if caught early, Wilms tumor is cured in almost 100 per cent of cases. Even if discovered fairly late, the cure rate is nearly 75 per cent.

Symptoms

Often, Wilms tumor is found during routine pediatric checkups, or during the child's bath time when the parent may discover an abdominal lump. It is usually identified at about three years of age.

Diagnosis

After taking family history and a physical examination is done, Wilms tumor is diagnosed through imaging techniques. Computerized tomography, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging may be done. Urine and blood tests will also be ordered.

If a tumor is identified, further blood tests will be done to determine if the cancer has spread, and imaging of other organs may be performed. It is important to check the liver. Rarely, both kidneys may be affected, thus the physician will order images of the opposite kidney.

Treatment

Treatment for Wilms tumor is dependent on the stage of the cancer. Intravenous chemotherapy is done on nearly all Wilms tumor patients in order to attack the cancer cells. Which drugs are given and for how long is dependent on the individual's condition.

Radiation may be done on Wilms tumor patients if the cancer has invaded lymph node tissue. The radiation is used not only at the tumor site but also aimed toward the affected lymph nodes.

Surgery is often performed in cases of Wilms tumor. If the growth is small and localized, a partial nephrectomy may be performed in which only the tumor and some affected surrounding kidney cells need to be removed. If the cancer has spread further, more invasive surgery called a radical nephrectomy may be done to remove the entire affected kidney and adrenal gland. Lymph nodes near the location may be removed as well.

Most children do well as outpatients and recover well from their chemotherapy at home in normal surroundings.

There are newer ablation treatments sometimes done on Wilms tumor as palliative care. to ease a patient's discomfort. However, long term outcome of ablation therapy on these patients has not yet been measured.

Specialists continue to monitor the health of Wilms tumor patients through adulthood with routine tests and checkups. Occasionally but rarely, Wilms tumor may be part of another disease, or a patient may suffer side effects from their cancer therapy and require further care.

Sources:

Mayo Clinic

Signet/Mosby Medical Encyclopedia

National Institute of Health